I am contacting you today because I have obtained disturbing
information regarding the Alpha Genesis facility in South Carolina. This
information was provided to me by a whistleblower and so comprises
issues of which the USDA may not be aware.

According to our source, a nine month old primate named Emma died in
early November of 2007. As you know Alpha Genesis had two facilities at
this time, one in Yemassee and one in Hampton. When Emma was sent to the
Hampton facility, in late October, she was overweight. She died just two
weeks later, and was apparently so emaciated that all of her bones were
clearly visible. It is unclear if this primate received adequate food,
water, and/or veterinary care.

Additionally, we have been given information indicating that the
staff at Alpha Genesis may be unqualified personnel. Apparently, the
veterinary technicians are not adequately trained and are giving drugs
and performing procedures such as suturing of injuries without adequate
training. In one incident a primate that was behaving oddly, stopping
and laying down repeatedly while crossing a pen, was misdiagnosed by
these untrained staff – receiving no veterinary care. Three days later
this animal was dead.

Also, it has been reported to us that staff at Alpha Genesis
deliberately cover-up abuse and neglect. One tactic that is used is to
allow deceased primates to lie out in the open air unattended before
reporting the death. Thus, the decomposition of the animal’s body would
make performance of an adequate post-mortem evaluation impossible.

I have also obtained the physical exam reports (attached) for two
primates that came from Alpha Genesis. These reports reveal primates
with substantial histories of injuries, either from other animals or,
more likely self-inflicted. These documents raise very serious questions
regarding the psychological health of all primates at Alpha Genesis. And
so, this issue must be investigated as well.

Therefore, I am filing an official complaint against the Alpha
Genesis Laboratory and I am asking that USDA/APHIS/REAC immediately
investigate this facility to examine the health and welfare of all
primates at this facility. I would also request that you provide me with
the results of this investigation when it is completed.